Helpful Links Within the Air Quality Division

Asbestos - Arizona is committed to protecting the public from exposure to regulated asbestos-containing material during activities involving the handling of asbestos. The Air Quality Division closely monitors these activities for proper notification and asbestos emissions control.

Assessment - The Air Quality Division uses atmospheric measurements, modeling, and research to continually monitor and assess Arizona's air quality.

Natural & Exceptional Events - Arizona is susceptible to both windblown dust events and smoke events from forest fire, both of which may qualify as exceptional events.

Planning (SIPs) - State Implementation Plans (SIP), statutes, ordinances and rules implemented under Title I of the Clean Air Act are continually being updated.

Preventing Air Pollution - The Air Quality Division works closely with many federal, state and local agencies to develop a broad range of strategies to help prevent air pollution.

Regional Haze & Visibility - There are three basic forms of visibility impairment - a reduction in one's ability to see clearly or far: urban haze, "plume blight", and regional haze. Urban haze, often referred to as "brown cloud", comes from the scattering of light due to various types of pollution from a wide range of sources found in large cities.

Rules - Rules are developed through partnerships, collaboration, and public involvement to achieve air quality standards.

Smoke Management - The Air Quality Division monitors potential air quality impacts from smoke due to forest fires and issues permits to allow selected open burning activities.

Vehicle Emissions - ADEQ administers a mandatory vehicle emissions testing and repair program known as Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP).

Is Arizona's air quality getting better?Phoenix radio station KJZZ spoke with Air Quality Division Director Eric Massey about the EPA's assessment that air quality in the valley is improving.

Current Air Quality Conditionsin Maricopa County

The Clean Air ActThe Clean Air Act is federal legislation that establishes the minimum requirements for states and local governments to reduce air pollution.

Other JurisdictionsThree Arizona counties have their own air pollution control programs and operate pursuant to agreements with ADEQ. In addition to ADEQ, two metropolitan planning organizations in Arizona share in the responsibility of completing state implementation plan requirements for ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate pollution (A.R.S. § 49-406).

Most tribal environmental programs are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. EPA. Several tribes have their own air pollution control program. Additional information about many of Arizona's tribes is available through the Intertribal Council of Arizona.